Charles Pickerell

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We’ve known for some time that sleep is important for the restoration and strengthening specific functions in the brain linked to memory, regulating emotions, decision-making, and even creativity. But scientists are now discovering the processes through which sleep also cleans the brain like a …

A cartwheeling spider and a dinosaur dubbed the ‘chicken from hell’ are among the 10 most amazing creatures chosen by scientists from over 18,000 species new to science in the last year. Find out more on the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry website

Photograph: Images Group/REX_Shutterstock<p>The seeds are stored in boxes labelled alphabetically, in a room that looks like a warehouse.<p>276<p>http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2015/5/19/1432047805342/2ecc97a4-1992-407c-b411-fc27448eef94-460x276.jpeg<p>460<p>Photograph: Images …

Hundreds of millions of acres of forest could be lost in the next two decades in less than a dozen global hotspots for deforestation, conservationists have warned.<p>Research by wildlife charity WWF has identified 11 “deforestation fronts” where 80% of projected global forest losses by 2030 could …

Every animal on Earth belongs to one of about 35 groups called "phyla". Some are familiar, but others are profoundly strange.<p>The number of species per phylum is always changing, as more animals are discovered. In 2014 alone, over 1,400 new marine species were discovered, and the largely unexplored …

A recent study suggests that the longer a baby is breastfed, the more intelligent and successful they become. While the research itself may be fine, there are so many variables around these issues that simplistic associations can distort people’s understanding, and even cause harm.<p>You may have …

<b>Swiss researchers have discovered how chameleons accomplish their vivid colour changes: they rearrange the crystals inside specialised skin cells.</b><p>It was previously suggested that the reptiles' famous ability came from gathering or dispersing coloured pigments inside different cells.<p>But the new …

Homeopathy is not effective for treating any health condition, Australia’s top body for medical research has concluded, after undertaking an extensive review of existing studies.<p>Homeopaths believe that illness-causing substances can, in minute doses, treat people who are unwell.<p>By diluting these …

<b>Scientists say signs of spring are appearing earlier in woodlands because of temperature rises in past decades.</b><p>They predict that climate change will alter the order in which different trees start to grow leaves, with long-term implications for the survival of some woodland plants.<p>A 200-year-old …

Key DNA strand propels neuron growth in brain’s region central to reasoning, language and sensory perception<p>A strand of DNA that lies at the heart of what makes humans unique in the animal kingdom has been identified by researchers in Germany.<p>Scientists in Dresden found a gene that drives the …

Would you like to have an argument with your colleagues this fine Friday? Just ask them what colour the dress above is. Some people say white and gold, whereas others claim it’s clearly blue and black. This rift in opinions has caused many people to doubt the sanity of themselves and their friends. …

<b>A devastating disease that has wiped out amphibians around the world has been discovered in Madagascar, scientists report.</b><p>A survey has found that the chytrid fungus is present in numerous sites, although it is not clear whether it is infecting frogs yet.<p>The island is home to 500 frog species, and …

Photograph: Guardian<p>Tests for Barr bodies can easily be performed on cheek cells taken by a simple oral swab - the simplicity of the test is probably part of the reason it lasted for so long in international …

A new study by scientists at the University of Cambridge claims teenage sperm is genetically weak, but is the claim credible?<p>Teenage boys already have plenty to worry about: spots, girls and the size of their “thing”, as Adrian Mole might have put it. Does the problem of having genetically weak …

Scientists say structure of teeth could be reproduced in high-performance engineering to make Formula One cars, boats and planes<p>Scientists believe they may have found the strongest natural material known to man – the teeth of the humble limpet, which could be copied to make the cars, boats and …